Applications from Indian students to United States colleges have fallen by 15% for the 2025-26 academic year. This decline follows the implementation of stricter immigration and visa policies under the Donald Trump administration, which have created significant uncertainty for prospective international students.
Data from the Common App indicates that total international applications dropped by 10% as of March 1. Research from NAFSA and JB International projects that these policy shifts could result in 1.1 lakh fewer international student registrations for the 2026-27 academic year, potentially reducing the economic contribution of foreign students from $41.77 billion to $38.37 billion.
New regulations include capping student visa stays at four years and a proposed $100,000 fee for the Optional Practical Training program. With over 3.63 lakh Indian students enrolled in the 2024-25 academic year, India remains the largest source of international students in the United States, making the current downward trend a major concern for both nations.
